IT'S hard to think of a more prime slot of real estate than the fire brigade HQ just off Worcester's Deansway.

Just imagine the possibilities if that imposing 1930s building ever came on to the market. The mind boggles with the sheer volume of choice.

Well, there's a good chance this will actually happen. Not just yet, perhaps - nevertheless, plans are afoot to relocate a number of fire stations and the Worcester building is included.

The existing set-up would be replaced with two stations. Major changes are envisaged at Malvern and Droitwich, too.

The aim is to improve services and response times. And this newspaper wholeheartedly shares brigade spokesman Alec Mackie's enthusiasm for the project.

So. The Deansway building - like the former police station next door - is suddenly put up for sale. What then?

We have a few ideas of our own to throw into the shaker.

Worcester's technology college and new university are both expanding. What better site for an annexe or halls of residence for the thousands of students flocking to the Faithful City?

Or perhaps the site could provide much-needed housing accommodation. Utilising a central position like this would be an ecologically-sound move and at the same time breathe new life into a city that has run out of building land.

The relocation plan is only on the drawing board at the moment. But we fervently hope there's no smoke without fire.